Saint Mary’s students to stage 18th century comedy

(10/30/2017)

Saint Mary’s University students will take to the Page stage on November 2-5 for an 18th century case of mistaken identities in the boisterous comedy “She Stoops to Conquer” (OR the “MifTakes of a Night”).

One of the most produced and popular “laughing comedies” of its century, “She Stoops” — written by Oliver Goldsmith — mixes delightful deceits and outrageous deceptions into a romantic romp of plots, subplots, marital strategies, and laughable confusion.

Under the direction of Dr. Jimmy Bickerstaff, the cast will remain true to the time period and intent in which it was written — using elegant period costumes and rich language. The tried and true approach has been a favorite with audiences for over 240 years.

In the show, two refined young men arrive at the country estate of Mr. Hardcastle, hoping to court his daughter Kate and her cousin Constance. When local trouble-maker Tony Lumpkin plays a practical joke on the two suitors, the Hardcastle household is turned upside down in this hilarious comedy that also examines romance, manners, love, and social standings.

“Goldsmith wants us to think about the masks that we wear for other people,” Dr. Bickerstaff said. “We’re all acting. He wants us to think about the roles we play in public versus the roles we play in private.”

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday from November 2-4 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 5. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Saint Mary’s box office by calling 507-457-1715 from noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays or online at pagetheatre.org.

About Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of leadership and service. At Saint Mary’s, students find in every classroom — whether in person or online — a relationship-driven, person-centered education. Through intense inquiry, students discover the truths in the world and the character within. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls 5,700 students at its residential undergraduate college in Winona and its schools of graduate and professional programs, based in Minneapolis but extending worldwide. Saint Mary’s offers respected and affordable programs in a variety of areas leading to bachelor’s, bachelor’s completion, master’s, certificate, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Learn more at smumn.edu.